AMERICAN LEFT HISTORY

This space is dedicated to the proposition that we need to know the history of the struggles on the left and of earlier progressive movements here and world-wide. If we can learn from the mistakes made in the past (as well as what went right) we can move forward in the future to create a more just and equitable society. We will be reviewing books, CDs, and movies we believe everyone needs to read, hear and look at as well as making commentary from time to time. Greg Green, site manager

Saturday, August 10, 2019

So, what can we DO? Action Steps from the Coalition Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence<macopgv@gmail.com>

8/7/2019 3:30 PM

To alfredjohnson34@comcast.net

The Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence stands with the APA in their statement:

“Routinely blaming mass shootings on mental illness is unfounded and stigmatizing. Research has shown that only a very small percentage of violent acts are committed by people who are diagnosed with, or in treatment for, mental illness. The rates of mental illness are roughly the same around the world, yet other countries are not experiencing these traumatic events as often as we face them. One critical factor is access to, and the lethality of, the weapons that are being used in these crimes. Adding racism, intolerance and bigotry to the mix is a recipe for disaster."

Read the full statement here

Research and common sense bears this out as shown in this article and the additional articles on our Facebook page . Mental illness and video games are just as prevalent in Canada, the UK and Australia, but their gun death rates are a fraction of ours. And important new research out of the BU School of Public Health shows that passing three key gun sense laws can reduce gun violence by over 30 percent.

So, what can we DO? Our grass-roots movement needs to drown out the lies of the gun lobby.

Here’s how we’ll do it:

At the state level:

- Invite someone from the Coalition to speak at your church or temple or club or school or other organization by emailing us here . Let’s get the truth out!

- Share this email with friends and family in other parts of the country and post the links above on social media. Spread the facts!

- Continue to be our Action Ally or member organization!

- Work to pass our current legislative priority, H.2045/S.1388 An Act Relative to Crime Gun Data Reporting and Analysis . This important bill will help us stem the flow of crime guns to our streets. Stay tuned for details on when the public hearing will be. We need you there to show your support!

- Save the date and join us at our next Quarterly Meeting on September 17 at 11:00am at More Than Words. More details to follow.

At the federal level:

- Sign up to work with our member organization Moms Demand Action via their Gun Sense Action Network here . Volunteers call gun sense voters in other states and ask them to call their own legislators on key gun safety laws such as universal background checks.

The news is heart-wrenching. But take action with us now, and “never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)

In solidarity,

Janet Goldenberg

Jen Muroff

Co-chairs, Legislative Action